Health Minister removes non-executive director from HSCB board

Mr Poots took the action after he was made aware that, in May, Mrs Kerr without authority emailed documents to third parties outside the HSC that were, at that time, for the sole consideration of the Health and Social Care Board. It was made clear that a number of these documents were being shared strictly in confidence and were not for wider circulation.

Mr Poots said: “This is a very serious matter, which undermines the public standing of the HSC Board and breeds suspicion and mistrust. Public service values must be at the heart of Health and Social Care. Non executive members, who are appointed to boards of HSC bodies, are in positions of responsibility, and as such must demonstrate the highest standards of corporate and personal conduct based on a recognition that patients and clients come first.”

In a written statement to the Assembly, Mr Poots said the values of accountability, probity and openness underpin the work of the HSC.

Mr Poots said: “I regret that the actions of Mrs Kerr on this occasion, and for whatever reasons she had, fell short of the standards expected by those holding public office.”

Mr Poots acknowledged that Mrs Kerr had been both an effective board member and chair. However he told MLAs that it was his responsibility to maintain the integrity of public services and the confidence of the Assembly, patients, clients and the wider public. It is for that reason that he decided that both appointments should be terminated with immediate effect.

The DHSSPS will now move to fill the vacancies.